The Institute for Human Rights & Business (IHRB) is hiring a Research & Engagement Lead – Adaptation Finance (Africa), and this role couldn't be more important. As climate risks intensify across Africa, adaptation finance is becoming a critical determinant of resilience, equity, and long-term sustainability. Yet current systems often fail to reach the most vulnerable populations or reflect their lived realities. This role sits at the intersection of finance, climate risk, and human rights, aiming to reshape how capital and insurance systems are designed and deployed. But what makes this position particularly fascinating is its focus on 'just' adaptation finance, which goes beyond traditional financial and technical considerations to prioritize social outcomes and equity. In my opinion, this role is a call to action for financial institutions, policymakers, and community stakeholders to come together and address the gaps in climate adaptation finance, particularly in Africa. The Research & Engagement Lead will design and deliver a flagship report exploring just adaptation finance in Africa, with a strong focus on financial institutions and development finance actors, insurance and reinsurance markets, risk-transfer and blended finance mechanisms, and community-led resilience models. The goal is not only to map existing financial tools but to critically assess how decisions are made, how risk is priced, and how capital flows shape real-world climate resilience outcomes. Personally, I think this role is a unique opportunity to drive systemic change and create a more equitable and resilient future for Africa. The consultant will lead an action-oriented research process engaging banks, investors, and development finance institutions, insurance and reinsurance providers, policymakers and public finance actors, community leaders, and civil society organizations. This engagement will go beyond consultation, serving as a mechanism to test hypotheses, surface constraints, and identify opportunities for systemic change. The key responsibilities include research design and stakeholder engagement, analytical framework development, case studies and evidence building, and report development and insight translation. The role requires at least seven years of experience in climate finance, sustainable finance, or development finance, with strong familiarity in African financial systems. Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to communicate with senior-level practitioners across finance and policy sectors are essential. The consultancy is expected to begin as soon as possible (ideally April 2026) and will run for approximately 7–9 months, with a total consultancy budget of £48,600. In my view, this role is a testament to IHRB's commitment to advancing rights-based approaches to economic and climate transitions. By integrating social outcomes into financial decision-making, the work contributes to a broader shift toward just transitions, where climate solutions are both effective and equitable. What many people don't realize is that this role is not just about filling a gap in adaptation finance; it's about creating a more inclusive and equitable future for Africa. The final output is intended to influence financial product design, institutional strategy, and policy approaches to climate adaptation. This role is a call to action for anyone passionate about climate justice and social impact. If you take a step back and think about it, the impact of this role could be far-reaching, shaping the future of climate adaptation finance in Africa and beyond. So, if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, I encourage you to apply. Together, we can make a difference and create a more resilient and equitable world.
